Adopt ASEAN Spirit To Create Positive Competitive Environment - Johari

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 26 (Bernama) -- Malaysia and Vietnam should nurture close bilateral ties, particularly in trade, in a strategic move to strengthen regional cooperation, said Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul. 

Johari, who is also the 46th ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) president, said as both nations find themselves neck-and-neck in the trade sector, they should adopt a collaborative approach that fosters mutual growth rather than view each other solely as competitors.

"While we are competitors, we must adopt the spirit of ASEAN and look towards a positive competitive environment … by sharing data, experiences and technologies, we can thrive together in this shared ecosystem,” he said.

He was speaking at a press conference after delivering his keynote address at the Youth Economic Forum (YEF) 2024 at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) here today. 

He said positive competition reflects a broader trend among ASEAN member states, where collaboration is seen as crucial for collective progress.

Johari has just returned from a three-day visit to Vietnam, where he and his Vietnamese counterpart Tran Thanh Man explored opportunities for collaboration and playing a role in ensuring ASEAN remains a resilient and united bloc.

-- BERNAMA